The leaders of Stevensville-based Competitive Edge today announced they have purchased Creative Specialties, a promotional products company established in the Detroit area (Madison Heights) in 1972.
Creative Specialties will maintain operations in Metro Detroit, becoming the third office in Michigan for Competitive Edge alongside its main office in Stevensville and office in Grand Rapids, and a satellite office recently opened in Charleston, SC.
Competitive Edge President Paula Wygonik said the acquisition brings a distinct geographical advantage.
“Operating in this footprint allows us to provide personalized service while offering full access to technology and resources from our Southwest Michigan headquarters.”
Joseph Thomas is the current president of Creative Specialties and will join the Competitive Edge team as a senior account manager.
“The synergy between Creative Specialties and Competitive Edge is evident. Bringing CE’s resources and technology to our clients is an exciting opportunity.”
Others from the acquired company who will join Competitive Edge include Andy Haffey who will serve as Market Sales Director and Janet Piscopo who will continue her role as Account Manager.
Competitive Edge was founded by Mary Jo Tomasini in 1993 and has evolved into one of the largest full-service promotional product distributors in the U.S. With 27 employees, the company has earned numerous awards, including the Cornerstone Chamber Small Business of the Year, the Promotional Products Association International Gold Pyramid Award, Outstanding Women Owned Business of the Year Award and has been consistently awarded the ‘Best Places to Work Award’ by ASI Counselor Magazine and ‘Greatest Companies to Work for Award’ by PPB Magazine.
